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29 May, 2024 by Steve phillips
24 May, 2024 by Steve-o man
Dodge and Dodge office returned my call for professional representation on a weekend without hesitation or delay. Mark D. represented me and I couldn’t be more thankful for his counsel. I have recommended their office to everyone who asks and I will continue to do so.
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17 May, 2024 by Cj allers
David has been absolutely wonderful to work with. Very attentive and informative. I'm completely satisfied this far and I'm glad I switched attorneys over to him. Keeps in constant contact with me to update me with whats going on. Very straight forward. Highly recommended!
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29 May, 2024 by Steve phillips
24 May, 2024 by Steve-o man
Dodge and Dodge office returned my call for professional representation on a weekend without hesitation or delay. Mark D. represented me and I couldn’t be more thankful for his counsel. I have recommended their office to everyone who asks and I will continue to do so.
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17 May, 2024 by Cj allers
David has been absolutely wonderful to work with. Very attentive and informative. I'm completely satisfied this far and I'm glad I switched attorneys over to him. Keeps in constant contact with me to update me with whats going on. Very straight forward. Highly recommended!
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29 May, 2024 by Steve phillips
24 May, 2024 by Steve-o man
Dodge and Dodge office returned my call for professional representation on a weekend without hesitation or delay. Mark D. represented me and I couldn’t be more thankful for his counsel. I have recommended their office to everyone who asks and I will continue to do so.
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17 May, 2024 by Cj allers
David has been absolutely wonderful to work with. Very attentive and informative. I'm completely satisfied this far and I'm glad I switched attorneys over to him. Keeps in constant contact with me to update me with whats going on. Very straight forward. Highly recommended!
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28 Apr, 2022 by Shari mosqueda, critical care rn
Bernard Schaefer has represented me for civil and family court issues. He is caring, extremely experienced in court, trustworthy, anticipates barriers and moves you over the hurdles. Mr. Scaefer is professional, fierce in court, and put his foot down when many different entities tried to push me around. Mr. Schaefer is in control and not intimidated by anyone including other lawyers and even the judge. I have been in court with Bernard at least a dozen times... they say "you can't win them all"...but he has won them all for me! If I need a lawyer, Bernard is my 1st choice
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30 Oct, 2019 by Alanzo
Working with Bernard was delightful. He was knowledgeable, courteous, attentive, and I always felt that Bernard had my best interest at heart. If you want a job well done, Bernard Schaefer, is your man.
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26 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Schaefer was the only one of a handful of lawyers we contacted that even bothered to return our call. He was professional, kind, knowledgeable and helped me to understand the in's and outs of Land Contract Forfeiture.
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13 Dec, 2022 by Sue yopek
After dealing with 5 different Attorneys on the same case, and the only gain being my generosity at donating money to Attorneys…I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Westbrook brought onboard. Amazing results, victorious ending to 14 years of prior litigation. He is hard working, honest, fair in his pricing and an AMAZING human being. Real Estate, Mortgage, Insurance, Easements, zoning, Airports… he’s your solid choice. 100 stars.
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27 Oct, 2022 by Eric smith
07 Jul, 2022 by Holdingpattern
The best attorney you will ever find!!
Just call him...you will be thankful you did!
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28 May, 2021 by Bryan burgess
Ms. Sullivan represented me in my recent divorce and was amazing. She was very knowledgeable, prompt, and took the time to explain steps/action rather that just say "Trust me". In my particular case, she had to keep pressure on opposing council to complete tasks and complete them correctly!! She was extremely thorough.
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17 May, 2021 by Anonymous
I was having difficulty with a previous lawyer and decided a change was needed, after all that turmoil I was discouraged but Cathy was attentive to my needs and kept the communication lines open. I would highly recommend her 5 stars!! oh and my case is all done and ended just the way it was supposed to.
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06 Sep, 2017 by Maureen
I have never experienced more prompt, professional and caring legal help than I did with Catherine Sullivan. I was also surprised that her fees were so reasonable, and she did not bill me with added hours/expenses. My ex husband contested a FOC child support judgement, and not only did Catherine work with me to determine that my employer had made a mistake on my wage verification, she also went a step further regarding medical care- something no other attorney cared to mention. I HIGHLY recommend Catherine Sullivan. I was treated with compassion and respect and achieved a positive outcome.
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13 Jan, 2021 by Aubrey
I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a challenging year. This has been especially true for me as I lost my job in March and dug myself into a whole that was impossible to get out of with my rent. David from Edward and Alan law went above and beyond to help me. I was in the process of getting evicted and was so lost on what to do , he went out of his way to send me organizations for funding , personally contacted these organizations to help me and managed to help me get all of the money I needed to cover my rent and avoid eviction. He did this all without receiving any payment from me . David from Edward and Alan law had no obligation to help me, but he did more than that. I wouldn’t trust any other person or law firm in my time of need! I highly recommend getting in touch with them if you want a lawyer who not only gets the job done but goes above and beyond to do so!
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14 Jun, 2016 by Julie
David Szostek recently helped me with an important and delicate matter. I've had experience with multiple lawyers that were characteristically unresponsive and did not deliver. Then I encountered David. I highly recommend David for basically anything. He is a creative thinker and has gone the extra mile to help me - working tirelessly to do whatever it took and with excellent results! David is an extraordinary legal professional and will be a benefit to any client!
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20 Jul, 2015 by Victoria vuletich
David demonstrates a commitment to practicing in an ethical manner. He seeks to be worthy of the trust and confidence his clients place in him. He is smart, knowledgeable and always seeks to do the right thing.
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26 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Reisinger Law firm is by far the most professional, prompt and client focused law firm I have ever encountered. Not your typical law firm focused on only on gaining the most income from their clients- a breath of fresh air in the legal world
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06 Dec, 2016 by Kristi
SO, so glad I consulted with Ralph during my decision to file bankruptcy or not. His knowledge of bankruptcy law is superior. He answered multiple questions thoroughly and made sure I understood my options and the possible outcomes. I filed chapter 13 just over 4 years ago and very glad that I did. Ralph has been there to represent me through all the issue during my bankruptcy, which have been several due to my unique circumstances. He promptly responds to phone calls and emails with answers and resolutions to issues that need to be addressed. Not only is Ralph a highly skilled bankruptcy attorney, he is also an outstanding person with a great sense of humor. Wish I could give him more than 5 stars!
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14 Feb, 2014 by Leonard
Ralph and his staff was very helpful and understanding. They were very supportive and was able to answer any question that had and still have. I would use Ralph again. I highly recommend Ralph.
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21 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Met within 24 hours of initial contact. Seems to be an attorney who will be aggressive representation.
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29 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
From beginning to end, Ben did a fantastic job of guiding us through the process and making sure there was plenty of communication. Would never go with any one else!
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29 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
We hired Ben to complete estate planning documents for us as we're young professionals with two young children and had nothing in place. He took the time to consult with us about our wants and wishes and educated us on the importance of each piece of the plan. I know feel comfortable knowing we have a solid plan in place. He was always willing to take our calls and answer any questions that we had. It was a great experience and we highly recommend him!
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06 May, 2024 by Camille
We are grateful for Amanda's outstanding representation in this legal case. She was professional, compassionate, and diligent throughout the entire process. Amanda fought hard and secured a favorable settlement quickly. She is not only a brilliant attorney, but is also a wonderful person who listens well and answers questions with patience and clarity (even on weekends!) I highly recommend Amanda to anyone who needs a competent, fair, and caring attorney. .
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24 May, 2019 by Anonymous
She was very nice and handled my case very professional and quick. Answered all questions I had and made a quick resolution to the issue I had.
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13 Sep, 2018 by Michelle
Amanda helped me out with an issue I was having with a landlord. She took care of everything and made the process as easy and stress-free as it could be for me. She was honest and up front about every option I had, and I felt very supported by her.
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16 Jan, 2019 by Frederick
Rebecca could not be more helpful during our Chapter 7 bankruptcy. She was very knowledgeable and helpful during the entire process. She walked us through the process every step of the way.
My wife and I were very pleased with her help and would recommend her services to anyone seeking a very professional advocate.
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29 Jun, 2017 by Julie
Rebecca was there for me every step of the way during this time. She was prompt to answer questions day or night and she was very honest. She was polite and genuinely cared.
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24 Apr, 2017 by Dawn
Rebecca was very helpful, going above & beyond her duties. Due to personal reasons I had to convert from a 13 to a 7. She helped me make the right decisions in my case, even contacting my exes lawyer when it really had nothing to do with the bankruptcy.
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13 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Mike was very professional and easy to talk to, made me understand every thing. Was available anytime I had a question. I would recommend Mike to anyone and feel they were in good hands.
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29 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Michael helped my small business vet a pretty complicated land/zoning dispute. His attention to detail and his insight were invaluable. He always took the time to listen to our concerns and needs. I have since referred friends and even family to him
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09 May, 2012 by Jeff
I recommend Mike for all your legal needs. Mike prepared my will for me and articulated the legal issues involved in real world terms solving complex issues in a completely understandable way. Mike answered our questions and asked some of his own never assuming or taking anything for granted in fully completing the legal work we hired him to do.
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02 Nov, 2018 by Scott
I first contacted Mr. Newberg through an attorney referral service here in Grand Rapids, MI cocernining a civil suit being brought against me for a large amount of debt. Needless to say I was very concerned about the case being brought against me. After my first consultation with Chris I was feeling a bit more relieved about being able to settle this case before it even went to court. The fees charged were very fair and he even did a lot of consulting with me and back and forth with the plaintiff before any fees were brought up. Chris did an amazing job at getting my case settled at a fraction of the debt owed. Next time you hear an attorney joke, don’t laugh because the job Mr. Newberg did for me was no joke. Amazing job, treated me with respect through the whole process. I highly recommend Mr. Newberg for any legal services you need. Thanks Chris!
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30 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
When I was arrested for violating the Grand Rapids noise ordinance last October, I hired Chris to help me navigate the legal repercussions. Throughout the process, Chris provided excellent counsel with speed, clarity, and tact. In the end, he negotiated a deal with the city attorney to have my case dropped in exchange for a modest amount of community service. Having never dealt with the justice system before, Chris served as an invaluable source of calm through an otherwise anxiety inducing period. I would highly recommend him to anyone requiring legal advice and/or representation in the West Michigan area. Thanks for everything, Chris!
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25 Jan, 2016 by Jake
My wife and were in need of Legal advice regarding the handling of our Lease, or lack thereof, as we could not reach an agreement with our Property Management Agency on our next year's lease for various reasons. We felt we were being taken advantage of to say the least. I was introduced to Chris through a Veteran's legal assistance program with which Chris was aligned. Chris helped us over the phone, at no charge, navigate the through our lease concerns several times as the situation developed. As the Agency continued to escalated the issue we would have felt very helpless without Chris' advice. In the end, we actually hired Chris and his Firm to negotiate directly for us we had to depart the state for another job. Chris expertly represented us and our concerns against the much more formidably funded Agency. In the end Chris was able to get the Agency to drop all their frivolous claims and pay us back all our deposits owed without having to go to court. For my wife and I, having Chris was well worth every penny we recovered from negotiation and then some; however, the icing on the cake was that his Firm's ultimate billing for matter was extremely reasonable and far less than I expected for his First Class Service. Chris really new the applicable laws as well as the statutory timing requirements for leases and used them to our advantage to essentially "win" the negotiations for us. He wrote letters for us and negotiated directly with the Agency and their lawyers. He maintained outstanding communications as we moved out of state and kept us informed and promptly had both our returned lease deposits and vast majority of our retainer fees returned to us. Working with Chris made an otherwise stressful situation as stress free as possible. If I ever have any legal questions or issues in the future, Chris will be my first call and I suggest anyone reading this consider doing the same. Thanks again Chris!!
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14 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Michael is a Great attorney. I would Highly recommend him to anyone. He is very trustworthy and responds quickly. I had a very difficult case and the outcome ended up far better than I could have dreamed :)
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07 Apr, 2013 by Paul
Michael Dantuma is an excellent attorney and I would trust him again to handle any legal situation. He argued my case in court and the outcome was even better than we had hoped for.
Very knowledgable.
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04 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
Mike has handled several cases for our family.He is very knowledgeable and wascompassionate to our family.He is a great attorney and nice person.I would totally recommend him.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Ty troeger
While needing to hire a lawyer was not on my list of things to do in life, being in a position where I needed one brought me to the Rodenhouse Law Group. Wonderful people from start to finish. Audra McClure was amazing with communication from the initial meeting to the final contact. Their efforts certainly made a life changing experience one that was not rushed, felt like I was being pressured or just another number in their list of clients: they made me feel like everything I had to say was important regardless of how big or little the details were.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Lorna grant
Miles took such wonderful care for me and my family. I will recommend Miles and your whole law office to everyone. Thank you for everything you did for me.
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31 Mar, 2022 by Amy
Andrew has represented my family for the past several years through the entire trial process.
Andrew was able to navigate through the changes due to Covid and was able to clearly explain the expectations of our legal case. Andrew was quick to respond to requests for updates, appointments, and the multiple questions that our case presented. Andrew did an excellent job in representation at trial and in defense. Andrew has a clear understanding of the law and is able to quickly adapt as needed during trial. I would highly recommend Andrew Rodenhouse.
Rodenhouse Law Group offers representation for all legal needs.
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29 Nov, 2023 by Mithilesh
I very much liked a methodical ,incredibly hard working and dealing with the issue specific to the matter . Mr .Worsfold is an accomplished ,very knowledgeable and accomplished professional and did an outstanding job in settling the case just one correspondence .I highly recommend him .
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08 Jan, 2021 by Stacy
Mr. Worsfold was referred to us while we were in the middle of a case with our auto insurance company. We met with him and hired him right away. He was great from day one, and is still helping us today. He is very knowledgeable in situations like ours, and I would recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer for similar situations.
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08 Jan, 2021 by Brandon
I was in a bad auto accident in 2009 and have been in and out of surgery ever since. Like many of you, I had an insurance company that just would not budge when it came to paying the benefits that we are entitled to. I had contacted many lawyers with no luck and had settled with a lawyer out of Ann Arbor, who ultimately referred me over to Mr. Worsfold after a couple of years of getting nowhere. Mr. Worsfold was very kind and passionate about my case. He went the extra mile and won my case within a few months. The communication throughout my case was amazing! He always kept me up to date and in the loop. He went beyond what I believe any other lawyer would have done for me and my family. I would leave a 6 star rating if I could. I highly recommend Mr.Worsfold.
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19 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Jeff went above and beyond for our son! His legal expertise with defending DUI offenses is invaluable! Jeff was able to win a lesser offense for our son with his extensive knowledge in this area of law. He was honest, attentive and friendly during a tough time!
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26 Jul, 2008 by Anonymous
Went above and beyond to get the job done. Would recommend to everyone.
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27 Sep, 2019 by Ken
Tom has been a huge help to our family. We've had 3 other firms review our situation and were unable to help us. Tom met with us, reviewed our case, and immediately found several key details the others missed. We haven't completed the process yet, but we have a very strong case due to the thorough investigation Tom and his firm did. We have high hopes of getting this resolved and I highly recommend Tom and his firm.
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03 Apr, 2019 by Stefan
Among 7 lawyers I worked with so far, Tom is the best. Very clear process, very fast reactions, very proficient explanations of legal matters to me as non-lawyer, effective interaction via email, all in all a 5-star performance in every respect. Most importantly, we won with our matter against the counter party!
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23 Sep, 2015 by Melinda
I could not have asked for a better attorney. He helped me at a time when there were many changes happening in my life and never failed to be respectful or thoughtful of these other factors while still helping me reach a satisfactory outcome with my case.
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22 Sep, 2015 by Jacqueline
Attorney Smith, filed an appeal for me with the Merit Systems Protection Board on Office of Personnel Management decision denying my application for disability retirement. Thanks to Attorney Smith Profession and filing the proper paper work with MSPB and OPM, my disability retirement was approved.
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13 Jan, 2014 by Parke
Chuck is a true advocate. His knowledge and expertise enable his client to make informed decisions prior to and during the litigation process. I have engaged Chuck 5-6 times over a 15 year period and remain very satisfied. He is one of the few attorneys I would recommend to a friend/associate.
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12 Jan, 2014 by James
For the record, I did not know Chuck until a few years ago when my Liability Insurance carrier recommended that I call him on what appeared to be a very sticky and costly legal matter. Chuck wrote a letter to the other party in the matter and literally made it go away. His approach was brilliant and decisive, and convinced the other side they had no case and it was over before it started. I was somewhat stunned and certainly very pleased.
I am in the construction business and Chuck has since represented me on several occasions in matters ranging from workman's comp issues to legal contract disputes. In each case he has proven not only to be knowledgeable and competent, but also very pragmatic. I have found that he is focused on obtaining the best result for me rather than accumulating fees.
I have dealt with a number of construction attorneys over my 33 years in business, and Chuck is head and shoulders the best. If you have a construction-related legal matter, this is the guy to call, period.
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19 May, 2017 by Erica
Mr. Carpenter took the time to listen to what I wanted. My divorce was setteled out of court but he was fully prepared to represent me in court. The settlement was better than I expected. What he said in his bio is accurate my ex and I don't hate each other now that the divorce is over. He also did some other work for me and was successful each and every time. I highly recommend Carpenter & Judd.
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24 Apr, 2012 by Sarah
Mr. Carpenter took my case on after it had been in progress for two years. My case was a mess and it was an uphill battle, but he fought for my rights in every possible way. Mr. Carpenter is a very professional lawyer, but he also has a heart for his clients. I could not have gotten the favorable outcome I did without him. I would recommend him to anyone looking for professional, skilled lawyer.
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29 Jan, 2014 by Nancy
Dear Mr. Murphy,
Thank you so much for winning my Social Security Disability case. I am so glad I chose your firm and I will certainly recommend you to my friends and family. It was obvious from our first meeting that you knew what you were doing and your excellent advice and guidance helped me to get a fully favorable decision.
Thank you to your Government Benefits Specialist, Rick Cross, as well for working with me through my case. After Rick's call telling me I had won my Disability, I had to just let it sink in.
Thank you both again very much!
Nancy
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16 Mar, 2010 by Susan
Miles handled my recent divorce case. He could tell I had been stressed out about it, but he walked me through the whole thing successfully. I had a ton of questions and Miles explained everthing I wanted in detail--and with patience! I am very satisfied with my judgement and with Miles' representation. I would definetely recommend him.
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31 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Stephen's work on our behalf was absolutely phenomenal. He extensively prepared months in advance of the trial, he knew the law backwards and forwards, and his public speaking was excellent. We could tell that he really put his heart and soul into our case, and it definitely showed in the results. We recommend Stephen Hulst in the strongest possible terms.
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26 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
He is a really good caring guy, and he was always available throughout my complicated case.
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22 Jul, 2013 by Chuck w.
My wife and I utilized Plachta, Murphy & Associates, P.C. when we decided to fulfill our dream of owning our own business. After researching local law firms we contacted Business Law Attorney Bryan Reeder. Bryan was extremely friendly, professional, and answered all of our questions. He even returned all of our phone calls promptly—which we really appreciate in an attorney.ck W.
Bryan explained our options when deciding which form of business ownership would be best suited for us. We were astonished by his guidance with forming our LLC with such relative ease! He helped us register our business name, guided us through our proper paperwork, negotiate and execute an operating agreement, helped determine our tax obligations, and much more. We really liked the way Bryan was patient in explaining everything and how helpful he was. He even gave us some resources to help our business be as successful as possible!
We would highly recommend Bryan for anyone considering starting their own business. His expertise and professionalism was second to none.
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29 Mar, 2023 by Karen
David is a rock and unperturbable legal advisor. I highly recommend him if you appreciate a calm voice of reason who remains focused on the goal at hand.
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16 Oct, 2018 by Dennis
I consulted with Lawyer Nash for some complicated and old real estate problems. She handled my affairs with speed and accuracy. I recommend her to everyone.
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17 Jul, 2017 by Lrp
Pete handled our case involving a local builder and architect who misrepresented himself, intentionally substituted structural materials, did not pay vendors, and was clearly over his head.
Pete was always upfront about potential outcomes, cost, and was very clear as to what the "eye on the prize" meant. He was aggressive and pragmatic. He didn't hesitate to consult other attorneys in his firm to make sure all options were on the table. Pete is investigative, fair, and honest. He is an excellent attorney who knows his way around the Ottawa, Allegan, and Kent Co. court systems. We appreciated his expertise and the way he took a personal and professional interest in our case. We highly recommend him. If you are building a home, prior to signing any contract, he would be an excellent attorney to look it over. I wish we had done that at the start.
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10 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Ruth is a premier attorney in real estate disputes and litigation. I found her intelligent, practical, skillful and effective.
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25 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
I had a family issue arise where difficult choices had to be made that could impact future generations. I found Mr. Betz to be wise and knowledgeable, and able to assist in looking at the options and long-term potential consequences of each one. I was very impressed with his concern for ethical choices over just expedient ones. I so appreciate the way he considered family relationships as well as legal options. I would highly recommend him.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Litigation Lawyer Can Do for You
A litigation lawyer specializes in representing individuals, businesses, or organizations involved in legal disputes. Whether you're the one filing a lawsuit or you're being sued, a litigation attorney will advocate on your behalf throughout the entire legal process. Their goal is to resolve disputes, either through negotiation, settlement, or trial. Litigation lawyers can help with a wide range of disputes, including contract disagreements, real estate issues, employment disputes, personal injury claims, and more.
Litigation lawyers provide strategic legal advice and manage all aspects of your case, from filing motions to representing you in court, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome.
When Should I Hire a Litigation Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a litigation lawyer if you're involved in a legal dispute that you cannot resolve on your own. Common situations include:
- Breach of contract disputes: If a party to a contract fails to fulfill their obligations, a litigation lawyer can help you seek damages or enforce the agreement.
- Business disputes: Litigation lawyers can represent you in cases of partnership disagreements, intellectual property disputes, or business fraud.
- Employment disputes: If you're facing issues like wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, or wage disputes, a litigation lawyer can help resolve these matters through negotiation or court action.
- Personal injury claims: If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence and are seeking compensation, a litigation attorney can help you pursue your case.
- Real estate or property disputes: When there are conflicts over property ownership, boundary issues, or lease agreements, a litigation lawyer can assist in resolving the dispute.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process is beneficial, especially if a lawsuit seems imminent or you have already been served with legal documents.
What Does a Litigation Lawyer Do?
A litigation lawyer handles all aspects of your case, from the initial investigation to the trial and even the appeals process, if necessary. Their role includes:
- Case assessment and investigation: Analyzing the facts of your case and advising whether it’s worth pursuing or defending.
- Pleadings and motions: Drafting and filing documents to initiate or respond to a lawsuit, including complaints, motions to dismiss, and answers.
- Discovery: Gathering evidence, including depositions, interrogatories, and document requests, to build your case.
- Negotiations and settlement discussions: Attempting to resolve disputes through mediation, arbitration, or settlement talks before going to trial.
- Trial representation: Presenting your case in court, examining witnesses, introducing evidence, and making legal arguments before a judge or jury.
- Appeals: If necessary, filing appeals to challenge or defend the outcome of the trial.
Litigation lawyers are also skilled negotiators and often work to resolve disputes outside of court to save time, money, and stress for their clients.
How Are Litigation Lawyers Paid?
Litigation lawyers typically use a variety of fee structures depending on the type of case, the complexity of the legal matter, and the financial circumstances of the client. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Many litigation attorneys charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and geographic location.
- Flat fees: For specific, predictable legal tasks (such as filing a motion), lawyers may offer a flat fee.
- Contingency fees: In personal injury or other cases where you seek damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency basis, taking a percentage of the settlement or award if you win.
- Retainer: Some clients pay a retainer fee upfront to secure ongoing legal services. The lawyer then bills against this retainer as work is done.
The exact structure should be discussed in the initial consultation to ensure you understand how and when you'll be charged.
How Much Does a Litigation Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a litigation lawyer varies significantly depending on the nature of the dispute and the lawyer’s experience. Factors affecting the cost include:
- The complexity of the case: More complex litigation involving extensive discovery, expert witnesses, or multi-party suits typically costs more.
- Time spent: Litigation cases can be time-consuming, especially if they go to trial. The longer the case, the higher the legal fees.
- Type of fee arrangement: Hourly rates can range from $200 to over $1,000 per hour, depending on the lawyer’s reputation and location. Contingency fees generally range from 25% to 40% of the settlement or award.
- Stage of litigation: Cases that settle early in the process are often less expensive than those that proceed to trial or appeal.
It’s crucial to ask about cost estimates during your initial consultation to avoid surprises.
Top Questions to Ask a Litigation Lawyer
Before hiring a litigation lawyer, it's essential to ask key questions to ensure you're choosing the right representation:
-
What is your experience with cases like mine?
Ensure that the lawyer has experience handling your specific type of dispute, whether it's a contract issue, personal injury, or business matter. -
What are the potential outcomes of my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case's strengths, weaknesses, and the likelihood of success. -
What is your fee structure?
Clarify how you'll be charged, whether by the hour, a flat fee, or on a contingency basis. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it's hard to predict, an experienced lawyer can give you a rough estimate based on similar cases. -
How often do you settle cases versus going to trial?
Some lawyers are more inclined to settle, while others may be more experienced in the courtroom. It’s important to understand their strategy. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Some lawyers prefer aggressive litigation, while others focus on settlement or mediation. Choose one whose approach aligns with your goals.
How to Check the Credibility of a Litigation Lawyer
To verify a litigation lawyer’s credibility, consider the following steps:
- Check bar association records: Ensure the lawyer is in good standing with the state bar and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and track record.
- Look for litigation experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they have handled cases like yours and have a record of success.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer to provide references from past clients who can speak to their effectiveness and approach.
- Research their trial experience: If your case is likely to go to trial, ensure the lawyer has a history of courtroom success.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make your first consultation with a litigation lawyer productive, you should prepare the following:
- A clear outline of the dispute: Provide a timeline and key details about the legal issue you're facing.
- Any relevant documents: Bring contracts, emails, letters, or any other documentation that pertains to the case.
- A list of key players: Provide the names of individuals or companies involved in the dispute.
- Questions about fees and the litigation process: Make sure you understand how the lawyer plans to approach your case and how you will be charged.
- Your goals and expectations: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, whether it's a settlement, compensation, or another resolution.
By coming prepared, you can ensure that your initial meeting with the lawyer is both efficient and insightful, giving you a better sense of how to proceed with your case.
